Sneak peek at Comcast’s Skype on Xfinity service

Comcast announced earlier this year that it would soon introduce Skype to its subscribers, with an easy-to-use kit that will allow users to quickly turn up video chat services on their TVs. The partnership with Skype, which is exclusive to Comcast, will provide a whole new, high-value added service for the cable company to sell to subscribers. I got a sneak peek at what the service will look like, with a demo from VP of Product Development and Management Mike Connelly at Comcast headquarters last week:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxOWnhaeMvY]

The first thing worth noting is that the Skype self-install kit (pictured below) seems pretty easy to set up. It comes with a camera, which can be set on top of the TV, as well as a WiFi-enabled adaptor box that connects the video stream to the home gateway or wireless router. It also includes an RF remote for controlling the service, which includes a QWERTY keyboard on the back.

A few key takeaways from the demo:

Comcast has an exclusive deal with Skype, and will be the only cable provider to offer this service for at least the next few years.

Skype video chats will be transmitted in 720p, 30 frames per second video.

There are four microphones in the webcam to pick up conversation from across the room.

The RF-based remote lets you text from its QWERTY keyboard without worrying about line-of-sight of the adaptor box.

The adaptor box has an HDMI input as well as output to layer video chat on top of linear or on-demand TV being watched on the TV.

Users can sync all their contacts from their Facebook, LinkedIn, email and Skype accounts through their Comcast account to find friends to video chat with.

Pricing has yet to be announced, but the Skype kits should be available beginning early next year.